The Effects of Inhalation Exposure to Sulfuryl Fluoride on Fetal Development in Rats and Rabbits

Sulfuryl fluoride is a fumigant insecticide used for soils andpermanent structures. Pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New ZealandWhite rabbits were exposed to 0, 25, 75, or 225 ppm of sulfurylfluoride vapor via inhalation for 6 hr/day on Days 6–15and 6–18 of gestation, respectively. Among rats, maternalwater consumption was increased in the 225 ppm exposure group,but there were no indications of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity,or tera-togenicity in any of the exposed groups. Among rabbits,maternal weight loss during the exposure period (Days 6–18)was observed in the 225 ppm group. Decreased fetal body weights,considered secondary to maternal weight loss, were also observedat 225 ppm. However, no evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicitywas observed among rabbits in any exposure group. Thus, inhalationexposure to sulfuryl fluoride was not teratogenic in eitherrats or rabbits exposed to levels of up to 225 ppm, and fetotoxiceffects (reduced body weights) were observed among fetal rabbitsonly at an exposure level that produced maternal weight loss.